8 in 10 Parents do not Support Plan to Cut Child Trust Funds

Posted in: Products Last updated: 17 Feb 2010

Parents are almost universally against Conservative Party plans to cut the Child Trust Fund (CTF), according to research from Family Investments.

A study of 634 parents also found that 96% thought the CTF scheme was a “good thing”, with many stating that it encouraged them to save to secure their children’s financial future. Nearly a third of all CTF accounts receive regular top-ups, with an estimated two million parents and relations adding £22m a month to CTFs.

One of the Conservative Party’s key policy aims is to create a savings culture in the UK, yet they have outlined plans to cut the CTF for the majority of families. Currently this means that any family with a total household income of more than £16,040 will not get one. Almost three quarters of parents in our research were unaware of this potential threat to the universal CTF scheme and the same proportion said they would look upon a political party that introduced this change less favourably.

If the Conservatives’ current proposals go ahead, 560,000 newborn children a year will no longer be eligible for CTFs, which they claim will save them £300m a year. The Institute for Fiscal Studies, however, has put this figure closer to £225m.

“Nearly a third of all CTF accounts receive regular top-ups, with an estimated two million parents and relations adding £22 million a month to CTFs.”

John Reeve says: “The CTF is clearly creating a culture where parents save more for their children. Nearly a third of all CTF accounts receive regular top-ups, with an estimated two million parents and relations adding £22 million a month to CTFs.

“It is hard-working, low and middle income families who will be really hit by these spending cuts. These are exactly the kind of families who may want to save for their children’s future but need the help and encouragement to do so. To get rid of the CTF before the long-term benefits have been realised seems very strange.”

-ENDS-

The information we provide should help you to make an informed decision as OneFamily doesn’t provide advice.
If you’re not sure whether our product is suitable, it's worth speaking to an independent financial advisor (IFA).
For OneFamily Lifetime Mortgages you must seek independent advice. The IFA will charge you for this advice.